BRANTFORD, Ontario – Walter Gretzky’s family thought the end would come quickly in mid-February.
The father of the best hockey player had suffered a serious hip injury and, after battling Parkinson’s disease and other health problems in recent years, his time – something Walter was always willing to give so much to friends as strangers – it seemed to be scarce.
“But he had a love for life and didn’t want to leave,” Wayne Gretzky said during an emotional praise Saturday. “We were 21 days sitting with him and enjoying life. We had the opportunity and the opportunity to tell stories.”
And Walter Gretzky’s life was full of them.
Known as the father of Canadian hockey, Walter Gretzky died Thursday at the age of 82. His death sparked an avalanche of tributes to an authentic, approachable, and authentic person who nurtured Wayne’s incredible talents on the family’s famous playground track in Brantford, but who never forgot where he came from either. .
“He was a remarkable man who loved life, he loved family,” Wayne Gretzky said. “We would be a much better world if there were as many more people as my father. Very special. We are all hurting.”
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, funeral service was limited to the family. But hundreds of people, including many children wearing Gretzky T-shirts, gathered at that city’s St. Mark’s Anglican Church, about 60 miles west of Toronto.
“A difficult time,” Gretzky said, his voice starting to break and tears welling up in his eyes. “I’m very proud that so many people have come and paid such fantastic tributes to him, because he deserves it. He has the heart of gold.”
Walter was there every step of the way as Wayne ascended to a grandeur that included four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers and became the NHL race leader of all time in goals, assists and points.
Employed with Bell for more than three decades (and long after his son became the biggest star in the sport), Walter continued to be a loving symbol of devotion.
“A deeply humble man,” said the Rev. Dr. Tim Dobbin, who officiated the live funeral broadcast by TSN and aired on Sportsnet.ca. “He told the truth. Wally’s word was his bond.”
A tribute video at the end of the service included footage from the early days on the backyard track, Wayne’s triumphs, Walter over the kids teaching ice, Gretzky’s memories at the family home and highlights of Wayne’s latest games at the NHL.
When the coffin was about to be driven out of the church and into the sun, the song “The Hockey Theme,” which became famous on “Hockey Night in Canada,” was played.
And by the time Walter’s funeral procession moved away from the church (the building’s sign read “We’ll miss you Wally”), some of the T-shirt-clad children waiting outside touched their floor hockey sticks in unison.
It was a good start for the Canadian hockey father.